shaker

noun

shak·​er ˈshā-kər How to pronounce shaker (audio)
1
: one that shakes: such as
a
: a utensil or machine used in shaking
cocktail shaker
b
: one that incites, promotes, or directs action
a mover and shaker
2
Shaker [from a dance with shaking movements performed as part of worship] : a member of a millenarian sect originating in England in 1747 and practicing celibacy and an ascetic communal life
Shaker adjective
Shakerism noun

Examples of shaker in a Sentence

a member of the Shakers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their secret might be sitting in a shaker bottle. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026 Other than throwing a few ingredients in a cocktail shaker, this cocktail recipe takes no effort. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026 Rowlson-Hall, meanwhile, studied old drawings of Shaker rituals. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026 The industry’s movers, shakers and heavy-hitters are all expected to be in attendance at the country’s flagship sector event India Energy Week from January 27 to 30 in Goa. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaker

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaker was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaker. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

shaker

noun
shak·​er ˈshā-kər How to pronounce shaker (audio)
1
: a utensil or machine used in shaking
2
capitalized : a member of a religious group originating in England and practicing a communal life

More from Merriam-Webster on shaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster